Council authorizes administration to buy police and public-works vehicles for 2025–26 biennium
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Summary
The council unanimously authorized the administration to purchase multiple replacement vehicles and equipment for police and public works using Fleet Fund resources, with staff noting available Fleet 501 fund balances and plans to replace older units including pickups and mowers across 2025–26.
The Lake Forest Park City Council on Thursday authorized the administration to purchase police and public works fleet vehicles and equipment for the 2025–26 biennium.
Background and staff recommendation: Administration staff reviewed the city’s Fleet 501 fund balance and identified a set of recommended replacements for aging vehicles. Staff noted many vehicles proposed for replacement are beyond recommended service life, generate high maintenance costs and lack modern safety and fuel-efficiency features. Recommended purchases included replacements for aging Silverado and F-550 units and replacement of a 2016 Chevy Colorado with a new half-ton hybrid pickup; several public-works equipment items (including a tractor, slope mower and riding mower) were also discussed. Staff proposed deferring the tractor/slope mower replacement until 2026 to allow additional research into battery-powered options where feasible.
Funding and fiscal context: Staff said Fleet Fund and related capital fund balances are sufficient to support the purchases as proposed; a future biennial funding commitment would be needed to sustain the program. Some replacements are designated as public-works capital and others as general-fund police replacements; staff will follow fund restrictions when allocating costs.
Council action: A councilmember moved the staff recommendation and another councilmember seconded; the motion to authorize purchases carried by unanimous voice vote. Council indicated support for replacing unreliable vehicles to reduce maintenance costs and increase safety and fuel-efficiency.
Why it matters: Several fleet vehicles were described as past their safe or economical service life. Replacing them is intended to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and improve service reliability for public works operations and for public-safety responses.
Clarifying details: Staff said the Fleet 501 fund contains sufficient balance for the purchases in the current biennium; however, long-term fleet replacement requires recurring contributions to remain sustainable. The tractor and slope mower replacements are intended to be deferred into 2026 to allow staff time to evaluate battery-electric alternatives.
Ending: Staff will proceed with procurement consistent with standard purchasing procedures and the council’s authorization; amendments would return to council if purchases exceed the authorized contract values or if additional council approval is required.